Painting with Words: An Interview with Artist Judy Mastrangelo

If a picture paints a thousand words then Judy Mastrangelo must have written tens of thousands of books. This interview is with a talented artist who has turned her attention to the book world. Her beautifully illustrated Children’s books have been well received and this interview should give you a taste of her talent... Let’s begin!

Good morning! Is it important for an artist to be creative, or can you be an artist without creativity?

Good morning! I think it’s very important for an artist to be creative. I really don’t know how an artist can help but be creative, since it is the very substance and nature of art.

Where do artists find their audience?

Audiences can be found online of course, through social media such as Facebook, etc. Various types of agents, such as Licensing and Public Relations agents, can help an artist enlarge their audiences. And of course, you can develop an audience in your local community, through schools, art galleries, etc.

What would your biggest piece of advice be for a young artist?

Find a genre of art that you really love, and then work very hard to develop your talent to be able to create that type of work. It does take a lot of effort to do so, but if you really love it, you will experience tremendous joy in your artistic journey.

I, myself, am always learning and developing my artwork. I feel that my painting is always in need of improvement. I always find inspiration from the great artists of the past. By looking at the work of these amazing masters, I am constantly awed by their masterpieces and am encouraged to then develop my own talent.

I’d also suggest that you endeavor to become friends with those in the artistic community of the type of art you enjoy. Some of these people might be newcomers to that field, too; and you can share stories of your trials and tribulations. And you also might be lucky enough to communicate with successful artists in that genre, whose work you greatly admire. Sometimes these well-known artists might have some time to be in communication with their fans and to give them encouragement and advice.

How many different kinds of projects have you worked on?

I’ve worked on many kinds of art projects, such as books, and creating wallpaper art, etc. I must say that it’s been mostly very enjoyable and rewarding.

Where is your favourite place to work?

I mostly like to paint in the comfort of my own home, but I have had fun creating in many varied environments.

Have you ever painted something you didn’t like?

Yes. And it didn’t turn out very well. I’ll talk more about that experience later. It’s a funny story.

Does creativity begin to become stifled if you are working as an artist—rather than just being an artist?

If you mean working as an “Artist for Hire,” it all depends. Many of my paintings that I’ve done in the past as commissions turned out very well.

I don’t do commissioned work anymore, though. I prefer to “just be an artist” and to paint what my inspiration beckons me to create at the moment.

Why did you want to start working on books?

I do enjoy stories, and illustrated books have always been a great love of mine ever since I was young. Therefore, it was very natural to me to want to create art books with text and illustrations in them.

Where does your love of fairies come from?

The World of Fairies is an innate love of mine, since I’m an imaginative person. I’ve never really “seen” a Fairy, but I feel their “presence” within flowers, and other forms of nature. It’s a very fascinating “realm” to me, and this world gives me great pleasure to depict through my art.

Do you enjoy reading fantasy novels such as “Lord of the Rings”?

Yes, of course I do appreciate reading novels such as this. But I must admit that I also very much enjoy seeing the wonderful fantasy films which have been made of these endearing stories.

It’s truly a delight for me, as a graphic artist, to actually see great fantasy literature in all its glory and color, depicted on the screen. When you read a story, you picture the characters in your own mind; but to see the fantastic way that they have been created in film, plus watching them portrayed by actors whom you know and love, is a wonderful experience! And of course, I have no problem with the amazing modern digital special effects which are used in these films. I’m not a purist there.

Do you enjoy teaching art?

Yes, I do enjoy teaching art. I love to impart my experiences in the development of my craft to others of all ages. It’s wonderful for me to see people with artistic talents. It is very satisfying to know that I might have a hand in encouraging people to develop a love for art and for creating their own craft.

I’ve worked for several years on writing a book about this so that I can share my artistic philosophy and experiences with others. At last, this book recently has been published as an eBook on Kindle: “PAINTING FAIRIES AND OTHER FANTASIES,” and I hope that people will enjoy it and benefit by it: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TA4ZYRG

In the book is included a link where you can download free printable pages of my Painting Tutorials. These pages will be added to often, so that you can always download new ones when I post them from time to time. In this way, I can teach art to a worldwide audience. It is very gratifying.

Is there anything you haven’t painted already that you would love to paint?

I have so many things that I would enjoying painting, which I haven’t yet done. It would take me many lifetimes to be able to do so. I have quite a few “visions” that I see in my mind, all calling me to be put on canvas. These are my own fantasies, and I look forward to bringing them into being for others to enjoy.